As the Bergen Record notes, the Devils’ backup job is likely to come down to veteran Scott Clemmensen (experienced, but on a two-way deal) and rookie Keith Kinkaid. On paper, that provides very little competition for Schneider and adds that much more incentive for a longer-term commitment.ay

Than again, Schneider might want a full season as an unquestioned starter to drive up his negotiating value.

Schneider has a great career save percentage (.925), with that track record carrying over to his tug-o-war with Martin Brodeur last season, even if his record (16-15-12) doesn’t fall in line with that strong .921 save percentage. A little more luck (12 wins on the table, including an odd run of shootout futility for the Devils) and he can enjoy a better record and individual stats.

Either way, there’s a good chance that the Devils and Schneider eventually will get what they want.

I think you’re all being too conservative on the figures….I could see Schneider getting something similar to what Tuukka Rask got (which was 8/56). Cory has roughly as much experience as Rask did when he signed his deal, with similar stats. Schneider is a year older than Rask now, and Rask signed his big deal at age 26, but I think it’s a fair deal. I don’t think he can ask for Lundqvist money even though he was the last goaltender to sign a huge deal because Cory doesn’t have the body of work in his career. Also, Lou HAS to get a deal done. He can’t give up a top 10 pick to get Schneider and risk him leaving in UFA two years later on top of Parise leaving in UFA and Kovalchuk quitting and getting nothing back for either of them.

The only way I see Schneider taking fewer years is if he wants to try to cash in on one final big contract at age 32-33, but even if he does, the Devils are getting his prime years. Hopefully, Lou can get this deal done ASAP and then work on locking up Andy Greene long-term.

Greene is having a huge upswing in his career. I’m very interested to see how that pans out. Does Lou pull his old “they have to prove they wanna be here” tactic and watch them run away laughing to a rival? Or does he keep him?

Tuukka is over rated and over paid… I just cant see Lou Lamoreillo signing a guy off the bat for 7-8 million for like 8 years which is what you guys are leaning towards. We all know hes a solid goalie. BUT…. he has never proven that he is worth starting goalie rate or that he can even play 60 games nor has he proven much in the playoffs yet. You are talking about two completely different monsters in Rask and Schnieder. Yes maybe they were close in age of signing a contract but Rask Brought his team to the playoffs and the stanley cup finals before he got all of that money. I just dont see this happening the same way. Maybe he will get 6 million but i honestly cant see them signing a goalie until hes in his mid 30s when they don’t know the full potential. Remember…. Schnieder has been battling for a number one role his whole career. Especially the way Luongo played how didn’t he get the starting role over him? Oh wait… he did for a few games and it fell through and it showed he was streaky just as any other back up goalie playing consistent games. Trust me, I wish and hope this guy can be our starter but he has very big shoes to fill. He has all of NJ that watched Brodeur for over 20 years, There are a ton of expectations there and if Lou fails at this one. He will indeed lose his job.

right…. thats what i am saying. Lou’s first move will be a trial shot. He will offer a short term contract first telling Cory he has to prove to him and all of NJ he can be their starting goalie for years to come. If he declines than that will back Lou into a corner and he will probably sign him Long term but not for more than 6 million. That way if it doesnt work out he can always trade him unless he goes with the dummy no trade clause crap